Vanderbilt Students for Students raised almost $1,000 on Tuesday for local Pearl Cohn High School student.

VSS vice president, sophomore Michael Nordlund, said approximately 80 runners from the Nashville and Vanderbilt communities participated in the organization's first major fundraiser, Vandy Mile Bonanza.

"I am really pleased with the turnout," Nordlund said. "This is our first year, so, originally, I wasn't sure who would come out today, but people kept signing up."

Nordlund explained that the organization has not yet selected a student to benefit from the scholarship, as applications are due at the end of the month.

"We just want to help give a local student the chance to go to college," Nordlund said.

"We entered the (1,600-meter relay) for Alpha Omicron Pi," said sophomore Amber Curtis. "We thought it looked like a good cause."

Her teammate sophomore Kylen Grimes agreed.
"It's important that the Greek community get involved in non-Greek activities like this."

Senior Kathryn Yates said she came out for the race to "help out the cause and have a good time."
"I think this is a great way to get people out to support this," she said.

Both Vanderbilt students and local elementary school students participated in the mile race.

Eight-year-old Ally Nicotera, a Julia Green Elementary School student, said she was pleased with placing eighth in the race.

"My favorite part is figuring out what place you're in," she said. "I also like the running part too."

Vanderbilt alumni James Guthrie also participated in the event.

"I've always been a fan of the mile event," he said. "It's like a field day for me."